These days, acai bowls — smoothie bowls made from blending the antioxidant-filled acai berry with various other all-natural ingredients — are all the craze; tasty, nutritional, and vibrant, they are a feast for the stomach and the eyes. Since acai bowls’ rise in popularity, dozens of health food shops and cafes have opened in the area, including Palo Alto’s very own BARE Bowls.
BARE Bowls is located at 530 Emerson in Palo Alto.
With close to 2,000 followers on its Instagram account and voted Top Food/Drink Establishment in Palo Alto Weekly’s Best of 2015 Reader Poll, the business has clearly been thriving since its grand opening last fall. I visited BARE Bowls with a few of my friends to see what the hype is all about.
Cool vibe sets high expectations
Inside BARE bowls in Palo Alto.
Located at 530 Emerson Street in bustling downtown Palo Alto, BARE Bowls is small but well-decorated, with simple wooden furniture and fairy lights accenting the cafe’s clean-cut theme. The business was started by two Pepperdine University students, Sarah Lipps and Bridget Corson, and their ability to keep up with current trends is clear. Minimalistic yet artistic posters and paintings line the lavender walls, and the newest music fills the room at all times. Spacious couches and tables are available as seating, although many customers simply lean against the walls, chatting as they chow down.
Bowls that are beautiful, healthy and delicious
BARE Bowls’ beautiful decor and perfect upbeat cafe vibe led me to have high expectations for the actual food — and I was not disappointed. With nine bowls and six smoothies to choose from, the menu has something for everyone, from berry-lovers to those wishing to incorporate greens into their diet. I tried the Powerhouse bowl, which was a blend of acai, blueberry, chia seed, maca, banana, almond butter, and cashew milk topped with banana, blueberries, granola, and honey. My two friends opted for the Cardinal and the Sunrise, two other bowls made with slightly different ingredients.
a few of the beautiful offerings at BARE Bowls in Palo Alto.
Worth the price for fresh ingredients
While the price ($8 for a small, $12 for a regular) was higher than many competing businesses — such as Nekter Juice Bar, for example — we all agreed that what BARE Bowls served well worth the cost. The service was quick and convenient, and the large portions, fresh ingredients, and intricate hand-decorated designs went above and beyond our expectations. Best of all, it was assuring to know that what we were eating was not only tasty but good for our bodies.
Overall, my experience at the cafe could not have been better, and I undoubtedly plan on returning again. BARE Bowls is great for anyone seeking delicious, well-made acai bowls who doesn’t mind the relatively pricey menu. For those who consider it overpriced or can’t be bothered to find a parking space downtown, there’s always the option of ordering BARE Bowls online or making acai bowls at home!
All photos by Lisa Wang for Palo Alto Pulse.
